Beef and Cheddar Casserole is classic comfort food at its best, rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This is the kind of dish that feels perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or anytime you want something warm and filling without too much fuss. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it is a casserole that always delivers.
The foundation of this dish is tender ground beef, browned until flavorful and slightly caramelized. As it cooks, onions are added to bring natural sweetness and depth, followed by garlic for a savory kick. A touch of seasoning like paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of thyme or oregano helps build layers of flavor without overpowering the dish. Once the beef mixture is ready, it becomes the hearty base that carries the casserole.
Cheddar cheese is the star that brings everything together. Sharp cheddar works especially well, as its bold flavor cuts through the richness of the beef and adds that unmistakable comfort food appeal. As the casserole bakes, the cheese melts into the beef, creating a creamy, savory filling with golden, bubbling edges. Depending on your preference, you can mix some of the cheese into the filling and reserve the rest for a generous topping.
To give the casserole structure and heartiness, ingredients like cooked pasta, sliced potatoes, or rice are often added. Each option creates a slightly different texture, from soft and creamy to more substantial and filling. A splash of beef broth or a light tomato base keeps everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.
Once assembled, the casserole is baked until hot throughout and beautifully browned on top. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. Letting it rest for a few minutes before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Beef and Cheddar Casserole is best enjoyed straight from the oven, served with a simple green salad with lemon or steamed vegetables for balance. It also reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next day leftovers. Comforting, reliable, and full of flavor, this casserole is a dish you will come back to again and again.
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef lean
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 400 grams canned tomatoes diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 200 grams cheddar cheese shredded
- 250 grams pasta uncooked
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
